Bedard: Patriots need an outside receiver, are there fits via free agency and trade?

As we get closer to NFL free agency on March 18, we’ll go through the Patriots’ biggest positions of need and go over some of the options available via trade and free agency. We’ll also lay out some of the landscape across the NFL that may or may not complicate the situation for the Patriots.

Quarterbacks
Tight ends

NFL LANDSCAPE

If your team has a good receiver without baggage, they rarely hit free agency and, when they do, they get overpaid.

Last year, Golden Tate was the top free agent and got $23 million fully guaranteed on a four-year deal. Jamison Crowder was next to the Jets for $17 million fully guaranteed on a three-year deal. Tyrell Williams, who isn't a No. 1, got $22 million in guarantees from the Raiders. John Brown averaged $9 million a season from the Bills. Same with Adam Humphries to the Titans.

The Patriots obviously need a dangerous threat on the outside. Everyone they have, right now, is more of a possession-type receiver (Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu) although N'Keal Harry could develop into a dangerous weapon with more experience.

With a tough FA landscape at receiver and not a ton of cap space compared to other teams, the Patriots may have to go with a trade, which is often cheaper.

Let's go over the options.

FREE AGENCY

Amari Cooper, Dallas: With the Cowboys likely needing the tag for QB Dak Prescott, Cooper could be a free agent ... and on his third team in as many years. That should tell you a lot. Cooper certainly flashes but the Raiders questioned his desire, and his on-field play for the Cowboys led to many questions about his commitment to the team and his toughness. Still, he's just 25 and perhaps the right team thinks they can get more out of him. But buyer beware.

A.J. Green, Bengals: The talented receiver missed the 2019 season with a foot injury, and he's never been durable before that. Certainly a candidate for the franchise tag, and you wonder how wise it would be for the Bengals to cut Green loose when they'll be drafting Joe Burrow first overall.

Robby Anderson, Jets: Truly underrated playmaker who is likely to get paid near the top of the market from teams flush with cap space. He's got good size (6-3, 190) and wins against man coverage. Could be a great pickup for the Patriots but he's going to get a big offer, and he should.

Emmanuel Sanders, 49ers: Oh, if the Patriots would have traded for him instead of Sanu ... what might have been. Have to wonder how far a team like the Patriots would go for a player who will be 33 and is mostly an inside receiver.

Breshad Perriman, Bucs: After a disastrous tenure in Baltimore, seemed to resurrect his career with Tampa. He can certainly burn but it's highly doubtful he'll fit the Patriots mentally.

Nelson Agholor, Eagles: Has a lot of issues with his hands but when he's right, he's a dynamic playmaker. Could be worth a cheap, one-year contract.

Danny Amendola, Lions: Patriots can always use more players, if Brady returns, that know what they're doing, even if they're at the end of the line and limited as far as explosion.

Tajae Sharpe, Titans: The UMass product never quite caught on with the Titans but he's worth some development.

Laquon Treadwell, Vikings: Almost the same as Perriman. Physically talented but hasn't been able to operate in an NFL offense.

POSSIBLE TRADES

Stefon Diggs, Vikings: The diva receiver from Minnesota is great, a handful and expensive (over $11 million a season through 2023). But he would be perfect for the Patriots. Might take the first-round pick, and it would be worth it. He's terrific in all areas and instantly makes the team better. Patriots have to start paying a receiver over $10 million.

Robert Woods, Rams: Should have been a Patriot way back when, but now the Rams need to shed cap space and he'd instantly help the Patriots. Coming off two great seasons, but he's not the total outside package for the Patriots. Still, at $7 and $9 million in the next two years, he'd be cost-effective.

Allen Robinson, Bears: Chicago needs cap space and trading Robinson heading into his final year would save them $11 million on the cap. He would, however, cost $12.9 million to the Patriots. That's a lot for one 1,000-yard season in 2015.

Taylor Gabriel, Bears: The 5-8 gadget player would certainly bring speed for about $12 million over two years, but not sure he brings enough as a receiver. Would certainly help.

Kenny Golladay, Lions: The productive receiver (who the Patriots could have drafted) is entering the final year of his rookie deal and will get expensive. Maybe the Lions would be interested in value worth more than a possible comp pick, but Matt Patricia needs to win now.

Marqise Lee, Jaguars: Doubt David Caldwell would admit defeat on anything, but Lee has been solid with bad QBs and could be better with the Patriots. Makes $7 million and $9 million in the final two years of his contract.

Odell Beckham Jr./Jarvis Landry, Browns: The new regime in Cleveland will be looking to shed salary for picks. Both these receivers certainly make sense, but both make north of $14 million per season. Can't see the Patriots doing that. Only if they renegotiate their contracts. Maybe they would for Brady.